Rialto Bridge: Facts and Information

The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The present bridge replaced a previous structure and was built in 1591.

The bridge was designed by a Swiss engineer, Antonia de Ponte and its longest span is just over 94 feet long. It is 75 feet wide and 24 feet high.

Michelangelo was one of the many who submitted a design for the new bridge. It was intended that the bridge be sturdy and have space for shops, so that rent could be collected.

The bridge took 3 years to construct, due to the depth of the canal at this spot and the unstable conditions. Most of the buildings in Venice are supported on wooden pilings.

The bridge was designed so that tall ships could pass under the bridge. However, the design was controversial at the time, with many critics saying the bridge would crumble.

The money needed to build the Rialto Bridge came from several different sources. Some of it even cam from an early variation of the lottery.

Today, the Rialto Bridge is not only a means of crossing the canal, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Venice. It is also one of the best places in the city from which to take a photograph.

The area of Venice around the Rialto Bridge was one of the first parts of the city to be constructed. Silk, spices and precious stones were all traded here.

The first bridge across the Grand Canal at this same spot was a wooden bridge, built in the 12th century.

Not far from the Rialto Bridge is the famous Rialto fish market. It has been on the same site for over 1,000 years.